San Francisco 49ers: Predicting 5 players who make the 2019 Pro Bowl
By Peter Panacy
No. 5: Fullback Kyle Juszczyk
Kyle Juszczyk gets in almost by default.
Last year, only two fullbacks were selected to the Pro Bowl — Juszczyk and the New England Patriots’ James Develin. One of the reasons is how the NFL has shifted to a pass-first league, particularly with teams operating more 11-personnel (three wide receivers, one tight end and one running back).
In 2016, the use of two-back sets dropped to just 11 percent of offensive snaps around the league, according to Ryan Kartje of the Orange County Register. And many teams, including former head coach Chip Kelly’s 49ers back in 2016, avoid holding a fullback on their roster at all.
As long as a fullback is listed as a position upon which fans can vote, Juszczyk will stand an excellent chance of getting in.
And it helps he’s been used as an offensive weapon too. A year ago, he nearly set career highs in both receptions (33) and receiving yards (315). Pair that with the idea he won’t be as responsible for blocking in 2018, considering San Francisco’s revamped offensive line, one can see how Juszczyk becomes something more of an overall offensive weapon.
Still, the lack of competition helps Juszczyk get in.